This singer-songwriter re-released one of her songs 31 years later, but in a brand new genre. It’s not unusual for singers to re-record theirmusic, and Taylor Swift made it even more popular when she startedher Taylor’s Version journeyin 2021.
However, while Swift popularized it in modern times, it’s something musicians have been doing for decades. Typically, singers try to make the re-recorded version as close to the original as possible, butone singer-songwriter broke this rule and completely switched genres with her song.
Joni Mitchell Released A New Version Of Both Sides Now, 31 Years After The Original
A Jazz Version Of Both Sides Now Was Released in 2000
Joni Mitchell initially released her song “Both Sides Now” on her 1969 album,Clouds. However,the song was first recorded by Judy Collins in 1967.Dave Van Ronk and the Hudson Dusters also released the song in 1967, but under the title “Clouds.” The song has since been covered various times, but in 2000, Joni Mitchell recorded it again.
The original version of “Both Sides Now” used folk production, but Mitchell changed this in the new recording. The singer-songwriter re-released her single on her 2000 album of the same title.Both Sides Nowis a concept album that tells the story of a relationshipthrough orchestral renditions of well-known jazz songs.
However, Mitchell also included two of her own songs, “Both Sides Now” and “A Case Of You.” The new version of “Both Sides Now"traded in its original folk-acoustic production for string instruments and a much slower tempo.The new version exudes deeper emotion, as even Mitchell’s vocals sound sadder than the original.
“Both Sides Now” Has Played A Role In Popular Culture
In 2004, Mitchell’s 1969 version of “Both Sides Now” was listed at #170 onRolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.In the current list, last updated in February 2024, the song is at #225. At the 1969 Grammy Awards, Judy Collins' version of “Both Sides Now” won the award for Best Folk Recording.
“Both Sides Now” has also had a lasting legacy outside of accolades.
A year later, Mitchell’s albumCloudswon the same award. At the 2001 ceremony, “Both Sides Now” was nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and the album won Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. However, “Both Sides Now” has also had a lasting legacy outside of accolades.
In 2024, Hillary Clinton released her memoir,Something Lost, Something Gained.The title comes from the last verse in “Both Sides Now.”
The ballad has also played a role in various films. In the 2021 Academy Award Best Picture winner,Coda, the main character Ruby performs an acoustic pianorendition of “Both Sides Now"for her Berklee College of Music audition.
However, the 2000 recording of the song isbest remembered in a heartbreaking scene from the 2003 Christmas filmLove Actually.When Emma Thompson’s character Karen receivesBoth Sides Nowas a Christmas gift from her husband instead of the necklace she found in his pocket, she realizes he’s having an affair.
Karen breaks down crying in her bedroom while playing “Both Sides Now” as she grapples with the truth. Luckily, both versions ofJoni Mitchell’s song were able to have a lasting legacy, with the newer version reminding fans how beautiful her lyrics were to begin with.
